North Carolina State Senator Jim Forrester (R-Gaston) has a history of anti-gay and anti-POC statements and actions. His first order of business for the past six years has been filing an amendment to ban same-sex marriage.

He has made anti-gay and anti-black remarks such as:

"Slick city lawyers and homosexual lobbies and African American lobbies are running Raleigh"

A local chapter of the LGBT advocacy group Parents and Friends of Lesbians & Gays(PFLAG) wanted to have a face to face meeting with the senator but he is rejecting that invitation.

"I doubt I will go to the meeting, but I appreciate the invitation anyhow," Forrester said. "I don't think it would be a constructive meeting. I think it would just increase animosity toward me, and I don't want that" (Pam's Houseblend).

Demand that Senator Forrester meet with his diverse constituency. He represents LGBT and African American populations and must do the job he was elected to do.

High Society Trailer - Real Look. Series Premiere Wednesday, March 10 on the CW network is the subject of controversy. The show is about rich people doing and saying whatever they want. The trailer below shows how racist language like the N word is condoned, and how transphobic insults such as "tranny" are aired.

Please tell the CW Network that racist and transphobic language does not belong on the airwaves and that the women using it must be educated as to why it is wrong.

Thursday, February 25, 2010

A new political PAC called Fight Back New York has set up shop. The group aims to strategically replace anti-equality NY senators who voted against same-sex marriage with pro-LGBT senators. The group is non partisan and will be targeting both democrats and republicans who voted against marriage.

Citizens of Austin Texas will be holding a rally this Saturday in response to the attack on Matt Morgan and Emmanuel Winston. The two men are part of a gay softball team and were attacked by four men shouting anti-gay slurs after leaving a bar dressed in their jerseys.

'Austin March Against Hate’ Saturday February 27th at 2pm.March from Oilcan Harry’s at 211 West 4th St. to City Hall.

*Participants encouraged to wear their jerseys if they belong a local gay team, and the softball teams 'Shady Ladies' jerseys will also be sold to show support.

FunMaps have been promoting gay and lesbian friendly businesses in resort areas and major cities throughout the United States and Canada. Each FunMap contains detailed street maps, business directories, community resources, listings and beautiful display ads, all of which welcome and invite gay and lesbian patronage.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Equality Florida has an action alert supporting LGBT city employees in Kissimmee Florida:

"In the coming weeks, the Kissimmee City Commission will consider the approval of domestic partner benefits for city employees.

If approved, Kissimmee will join dozens of municipalities across Florida in offering its employees some form of domestic partnership coverage. The inclusion of domestic partner coverage provides a critical lifeline for all unmarried city employees, gay and straight.

Help Kissimmee take it’s rightful place as a fair-minded city by voicing your support for domestic partner benefits."

2/24: Under pressure from LGBT activists the NCAA has decided to rescind the Focus on the Family ad.

"The decision by the NCAA came in response to vocal protests from a small number of advocates for gay and lesbian athletes, who complained that the group's views that homosexuality and abortion are immoral are inconsistent with the NCAA's stated nondiscrimination policy. 'Focus on the Family did have a banner ad on NCAA.com. Today, it was decided to remove the ad from the website as a result of concerns expressed by our membership,' Bob Williams, an NCAA spokesman, said via e-mail late Tuesday." (Towleroad)

"The pink mountain" is a new term to refer to the tallest mountain on Earth Mount Everest. The mountain which stretches to several border countries lies partly in Nepal which recently legalized same-sex marriage and is now building a gay tourist industry around offering same-sex marriages on the mount.

"PSSSLQ" is an acronym standing for Persons of the Same Sex Sharing Living Quarters. It is rarely used in government statistics but gaining momentum as same-sex couples want to be counted in census information.

The Republican party and the Conservative movement has not been known for their pro-gay stance. On the contrary they are known as touting "traditional family values" and promoting the concept of marriage as solely between one man and one woman. Many republicans also want to deny gays the right to serve their country, and be protected from hate crimes and employment discrimination. The Grand Old Party (GOP) has often used the issue of homosexuality as a wedge issue and a scare tactic to rile up their conservative Christian base.

Lately there has been some indication that many in the movement no longer want to be aligned with the anti-gay politics and bigotry associated with the right-wing. The younger generation of Republicans have grown up in a culture more tolerant of homosexuality, they have gay friends, have seen the subject brought up on TV and in movies and feel differently than their parents do on the issue. Take for example Meghan McCain daughter of failed Presidential candidate John McCain who is an ardent supporter of LGBT rights and marriage equality. Former Republican Governor Christine Whitman has told the GOP to remove same-sex marriage opposition from the party platform. Even lifelong Republican and Fox News contributor Margaret Hoover has joined the fight for marriage equality.

The people above are only a few examples of conservative individuals who have spoken out in favor of equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. Many other young voices are urging for the party to stop divisive attempts at silencing gay people in favor of promoting a more libertarian point of view of tolerance and freedom for all.

Over the weekend the Conservative Political Action Conference(CPAC) met and while the views are far from gay friendly, even in this conservative bastion change appears to be at hand. As insignificant as it may seem, allowing the GOProud a gay conservative group to table and sponsor the event was a big and controversial deal.

Take a look at what happened when anti-gay bigot Ryan Sorba spoke poorly of CPAC for allowing GOProud to attend:

He was booed for criticizing CPAC for allowing GOProud to attend. The room full of conservatives stood in support of CPAC's decision.

Is there a wave of change coming in the conservative movement? Are these just a few voices or is this indicative of a much larger revolution within the party? Perhaps the conservative movement is realizing that the younger generation do not see homosexuality as a political issue and the political tide is turning.

Friday, February 19, 2010

Over the past five years the network CBS has refused to air commercials that feature gay advocacy or a gay theme during the Superbowl. The ads either promote a positive message, or are harmless corporate marketing ploys. They have also receiving failing grades with respect to LGBT coverage and have been show to pander to anti-gay right-wing organizations.

The United Church of Christ "Bouncer" commercial:

The United Church of Christ "Ejector" commercial:

Think Before You Speak "That's So Gay" Commercial:

ManCrunch "Two Dudes Kissing" Commercial:

Go Daddy's Lola commercial:

CBS Facts:-Five pro-gay commercials were rejected between December 2004-2010.

The Bisexual Empowerment Conference: A Uniting, Supportive Experience (BECAUSE) will be held April 16-18, 2010 at Hamline University in St. Paul Minnesota. The BECAUSE Conference is the premier weekend event in the Midwest for bisexuals, queers, non-mono-sexual, bi-curious, questioning, and all others, regardless of sexual or gender identity. This conference is open to everyone!

This year conference attendees will find an exciting and packed weekend of social and educational programming, including keynote speaker Amy André. Amy is a writer, activist and current Executive Director of San Francisco Pride who will be speaking about health in the bisexual community. In addition to workshops on Saturday, there will be a conference wide panel titled It’s Time: Perspectives on Bisexuality Past, Present and Future. The panel will be comprised of current and past bisexual activists and allies from across the Nation discussing bisexuality, the bisexual identity and the bisexual movement. Also, on Saturday evening we will have our annual Drag Show/Cabaret event.

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Dr. Mehmet Oz a cardiothoracic surgeon and author who hosts the Dr. Oz Show had a segment today on transgender children. The show featured a child who is a trans girl, and a teen who is a trans boy as well as their supportive families, and a knowledgeable and trans-affirming surgeon.

The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation and Trans Youth Family Allies attended the taping and have said the show is one of the most supportive and informative mini segments to ever hit national television.

Dr. Oz has asked for feedback about the segment and we encourage you all to applaud his efforts and encourage more shows of this nature in the future.

IvyQ 2010 is the first annual Ivy League conference for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer students and their allies. The conference will be hosted at the University of Pennsylvania February 18-21, 2010.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

As an activist I sometimes fear that after a given amount of time I will fall into what is sometimes called "activist burnout" when politically motivated individuals just give up because change has not come fast enough. Most activists are familiar with the term or the concept and try to find ways to avoid this pitfall.

It's the emails like the one I received today from readers of the blog who keep me afloat and the heartfelt stories that people share with me every week. Today a MtF teen shared her story of discrimination, her fears, hopes and aspirations. I told her that she has her whole life ahead of her and that even though she is going through a rough time that she will have better days ahead and she can truly become an agent of change. I don't know her and she doesn't know me, but it's stories like hers that motivate me to continue the fight for full equality, dignity, and respect for all LGBT people.

I hope you will join me, because even saving one life, makes a world of difference!

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Gender JUST (Gender Justice United for Societal Transformation) is a multi-racial, multi-ethnic, and multi-generational grassroots organization of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Allied (LGBTQA) young people, LGBTQA people of color, and grassroots folks developing leadership and building power through organizing.

This week marks the three-year anniversary of one of the worst public policy failures of our time, New Jersey's civil union law. Many hospitals and employers still reject the law because it is not marriage. At the recent state Senate hearing and floor vote, even legislators who oppose marriage equality admitted the civil union law has failed.

Join Garden State Equality at marriage equality rallies, marches and free dinners this Wednesday night, February 17, 2010 through Monday night, February 22, 2010. See the entire schedule here.

Monday, February 15, 2010

The Iowa House and Senate with a large Democratic majority has succesfully eliminated attempts by conservative members who want to vote on eliminating same-sex marriage. Among those who attempted to force a vote to ban gay marriage are four Democrats who went against their own party! The legislation has failed but came within 3 votes of being passed.

Please contact the four Democrats who attempted to force a vote to ban gay marriage:

In honor of national condom week this post is encouraging safe-sex and proper condom usage. Condoms while not full proof are extremely effective at reducing your risk for pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.

Facts:

-You must use a new condom for every sex act (oral, anal, and/or vaginal).

-Use only water based lubricants with latex condoms. Oils, jelly, and other lotions can damage and render the condom ineffective.

-Pay attention to the expiration date on your condoms and make sure to store them in a cool and dry place.

-Those allergic to latex can opt for a synthetic condom.

How to promote National Condom Week:

-Dedicate your facebook status, blog post, or tweet about it using the hashtag #condomweek

-Try to get your school, community center to provide free condoms and lubricant.

This is for all American public school students who are Queer or allied. This is a small write up about your rights provided by the ACLU - Get Busy, Get Equal!

"If you experience any problems at school, first talk to your principal or another official. If nothing happens it's time to take action.

HARASSMENT:If you are being harassed, or witness harassment, report it to the principal, a counselor, or another official immediately, and keep notes with dates and descriptions of all incidents and when you reported them. Being silent may seem easier but it will not end the abuse, and you have the right to be yourself and safe.

PRIVACY:Teachers and school officials do NOT have the right to "out" you to anyone without your permission or use your sexual orientation to manipulate you in any way.

FREEDOM OF SPEECH:Sometimes schools try to silence students who are open about their sexual orientation. If you go to a public school you have a constitutional right to be out of the closet and express your opinions.

GAY-STRAIGHT ALLIANCES:Gay-Straight Alliances (GSA's) are non-curricular student clubs, just like Chess clubs or Key Clubs, that allow students with a common interest to get together and have discussions and activities. The law says public schools must allow GSA's if other student clubs exist.

*For info on starting or being part of a GSA go to GLSEN or call 212-727-0135

PROM:Public schools cannot stop you from bringing a same-sex date to prom. Federal law protects this as freedom of expression, and you cannot be barred from prom because of your date's gender."

If you are encountering difficulty, the ACLU can provide free assistance... Do not hesitate to contact them with questions about your rights or to ask for legal assistance.

Saturday, February 13, 2010

American singer Aaron Carter has taken a stand against proposition 8 which banned same-sex marriage equality in California in 2008. The popstar posed for the NO H8 campaign run by photographer Adam Bouska who photographs anyone who wants to show their solidarity with the movement to repeal prop 8.

Valentine's Day rolls along every year and most people love it or hate it depending on their marital status and whether they are content with their partner(s). For the heterosexual majority Valentine's Day means a possible romantic escapade and gift sharing with your partner. V-Day however can take on a whole new meaning for gay people whose love and affections are not as well embraced by society. Queer couples can either hide in their places or venture out with their lover(s).

Whether single or partnered does Valentine's Day inadvertently become an activist calendar day for you? What implications does V-Day hold over queer couples and what is its broader impact on the LGBTQ community?

Friday, February 12, 2010

Activist 'Reverend Billy' is holding a Valentine's Day unmarriage mass ritual to support marriage equality. The protest will include hundreds of couples who will suspend their wedding vows in a mass ritual and disavow the institution of marriage until it embraces same-sex couples.

The Reverend Billy will conduct a mass sermon and tragic and hopeful love songs will be sung. Participants will receive an official unmarried certificate.

A campaign to counter homophobia is hitting the streets this Valentine's weekend across the globe. The Kiss-In International movement is encouraging same-sex couples to display their affection in public by kissing their loved ones.

The listing is provided by Kiss-In and translated by Google translator. The following locations will have demonstrations:

FRANCE

- ANGERS, To Angers, February 13, 2010 at 16h, Mondain Chanlouineau place before the mall Fleur d'Eau, in extension of the Rue Saint-Laud.

- AUXERRE, At Auxerre, February 14, 2010 at 16h, Place de l'Hotel de Ville.Contact : Mickael Lequeux.

- BORDEAUX, In BORDEAUX, February 14, 2010 at 16h, before the mirror of water.Contact : Adrien Louis (adrien.louis1@gmail.com), et Wake Up !

- CAEN, To Caen, February 13, 2010 at 16h, in front of City Hall.Contact : Alice Bébin.

Popstar John Mayer has come under criticism for his offensive racial and sexual remarks in an upcoming Playboy article interview. He has since apologized for his use of the N word but has not done so for saying "fags".

In the interview Mayer is asked if he has ever kissed a man:

“The only man I’ve kissed is Perez Hilton. It was New Year’s Eve and I decided to go out and destroy myself. I was dating Jessica [Simpson] at the time, and I remember seeing Perez Hilton flitting about this club and acting as though he had just invented homosexuality. All of a sudden I thought, I can outgay this guy right now. I grabbed him and gave him the dirtiest, tongue-iest kiss I have ever put on anybody—almost as if I hated fags. I don’t think my mouth was even touching when I was tongue kissing him, that’s how disgusting this kiss was. I’m a little ashamed. I think it lasted about half a minute. I really think it went on too long” (GLAAD).

Thursday, February 11, 2010

At 10:30 AM on Freedom-to-Marry Day 2010 – Sunday, February 14, Valentine’s Day – the Gay Liberation Network will host an informational picket of Chicago’s Holy Name Cathedral, 735 N. State Street, to highlight the role the Church’s leadership has played in promoting inequality.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Recently formed direct action activist group called Queer Rising will engage in civil disobedience at the New York City Marriage Bureau on Friday, February 12th.

Inside the bureau couples will attempt to apply for marriage licenses and those who support marriage equality will be rallying outside. There will also be a marriage between a gay man and lesbian to highlight the absurd notion of restricting marriage to opposite-sex couples.